Don't wait until after Christmas to get into shape, when you'll be feeling bloated, lethargic and just want to go back to bed, or finish off that Christmas cake. Whether you like it or not that eating and drinking season is fast approaching so with a few changes you could start a healthy lifestyle now... get fitter, eat healthier, look better and feel better! Get in control and give yourself a head start on the rest of the office. This eay to follow plan is packed with tips and advice to help you look and feel fabulous. There are no bizarre foods and you wont even have to do 1,000 sit ups a day to achieve your goal, just make a few adjustments and stick to it. This is the first thing. Thinking about it doesnt count! If youre not used to exercising, try walking at a fast pace either in the park, around where you live or on a treadmill. If youd like to pick up the pace a little, try one minute walking, one minute running and so on for 20 minutes. If youre used to exercising, go for a 30-minute run, bike ride, swim or session on the cardio machines in the gym, making sure its challenging. Do this at least three times a week. Keeping up the cardio exercise three-four times a week is great. You should end up sweating and out of breath but able to talk. Try introducing some simple toning work after four weeks and add this on to your cardio work out, for example stomach crunches, press ups or lunges. Chart your exercise progress in a diary. This will keep you on track, help form a routine for you and keep you motivated. Remember to increase the intensity when it starts to get easier - which it will! Write a food shopping list and stick to it. Really think about what youre going to buy and stock up on lots of healthy options including fruit, vegetables, salad, chicken and fish. The list will stop you getting swayed and find yourself browsing the ice-cream aisle. It is important to get enough quality rest. A good nights sleep allows your body and mind to properly recover, which will increase your energy levels and feeling of well-being. A de-bloating tip is to up your fibre uptake, this helps you feel fuller sooner and keeps your digestive system healthy, so you dont get a bloated tummy. Eat plenty of wholegrains, pulses, fresh fruit and veg. Another great de-bloating tip - if youre prone to water retention, drink more water! Drinking eight glasses of water a day will dilute the concentration of salt in your body, which in turn increases the amount of water thats flushed out of your system. Water also helps keep your kidneys working efficiently, so your body can easily get rid of waste products that contribute to a swollen tummy. These create cellulite and men can see a similar effect around their tummies. Massage boosts circulation, helps repair worn or damaged muscle fibres, and helps lymphatic drainage. Aqua-detox, the revolutionary new detox system also boosts circulation, metabolism and helps lymphatic drainage. This is enough to get you started. Keep this up from now until Christmas and you will feel and look fantastic at those office parties. Enjoy christmas, have a little of what you fancy and in the second week of January lets get back into the routine of a fit healthy lifestyle. If you need a little help sticking to this contact Louisa Hill on the number below to claim your free personal training session, which incudes lifestyle analysis. Remember, thinking about it doesnt count, its time for action! Louisa Hill is a fully qualified personal trainer. Home and gym training available. For more information call Louisa on 07887 481559. | 
